No cases in Virginia, but risk returns with cooler weather, return of migratory
birds
Dr.
Richard Wilkes, State Veterinarian with the Virginia Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services (VDACS), says that Virginia has not yet seen a case of
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) this year, as have many states in the
West and Midwest. With cooler fall temperatures and the return of migratory
birds along the nation’s flyways, however, the risk of finding a positive case
is increasing.
“The
strain of HPAI that was diagnosed in 22 other states last winter and spring
does not like hot weather,” Wilkes explained, “and the USDA determined that the
disease was introduced there by migratory birds. So after a very brief sigh of
relief, we are ramping up our efforts to keep the disease out of Virginia. In
order to do this, we need the assistance and cooperation of all of our state’s
bird owners.”
Background
on Current Outbreak
Dr.
Wilkes noted that from December 2014 through June 2015, HPAI affected 48
million poultry on 223 premises in the West and Midwest. It has been the most
costly and significant animal disease outbreak in U.S. history, with a total
cost of about $1 billion to date.
The
mortality among commercial turkeys is nearly 100 percent and the birds die
within days of the introduction of the virus. It affects chickens less
severely, although still dramatically. A majority of infected chickens
typically die.
Droppings
from migratory waterfowl can contain millions of infectious viral particles and
can be introduced accidentally to susceptible poultry species. Poultry that
become infected can incubate the virus for days before they show signs of
infection. During this period, contact with seemingly healthy birds, equipment,
clothing and boots from that farm can unknowingly introduce the virus into a
flock. This is why biosecurity is vitally important and where VDACS needs
cooperation from bird owners.
Biosecurity
The
most important thing bird owners can do to prevent disease is to practice
biosecurity at all times. This means taking measures to prevent the
introduction of virus. These measures include the following actions:
·
Limit
access – Do not allow visitors near poultry.
·
Keep
it clean – Use dedicated footwear/clothing for feeding/handling poultry. Always
wash hands and clean or disinfect clothing/footwear after handling poultry or
eggs.
·
Do
not allow poultry in areas where waterfowl could have left droppings.
·
Do
not leave grain or feed in areas accessible to wild birds.
·
Do
not bring the disease home - Only buy chicks from the National Poultry
Improvement Program’s AI Clean hatcheries; isolate any new additions if unsure
of AI Clean status and do not borrow or use equipment from neighbors that may
harbor the virus
Researchers
are working diligently on a viable vaccination for HPAI. Currently however,
there is no available vaccine for poultry.
Finally,
if you suspect a bird might be infected with HPAI, prompt testing is critical.
For assistance with this, please contact VDACS at 804.786.2483.
For
more information about biosecurity measures and plans, contact the State
Veterinarian’s Office at 804.692.0601 or your local Office of Veterinary
Services at the Regional Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory in your area. See
the Laboratory Services section at vdacs.virginia.gov/about/directory-ais.shtml.
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